Myopia is one of the most common refractive vision errors, and it is normally diagnosed during an eye exam. A diagnosis of myopia often leads to many questions. Here are some of the more frequently asked along with answers from our eye doctor.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is another name for nearsightedness. It is a refractive vision error that occurs when the eye is too long, causing light to focus improperly focus within the eye. This makes far away objects appear blurry.
When Does Myopia Typically Start?
Progressive myopia typically begins in childhood and continues as the eyes grow, change, and develop. Getting headaches or not being able to see the board in school are a couple signs that myopia or other vision changes may be occurring. Severe myopia causes a higher risk for eye conditions such as retinal problems and glaucoma.
Is there a Cure for Myopia?
Myopia isn't exactly curable, but it is treatable. More and more children are participating in myopia management programs that helps limit the severity of their myopia while their eyes are still developing. Atropine drops and Ortho-K contact lenses are both popular treatments for myopia control that keeps progressive myopia from developing into severe myopia for many people.
Will Myopia Lead to Blindness?
In most cases, myopia doesn't directly lead to blindness. But the further it progresses, the higher risk a person with myopia has of developing potential sight stealing conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, which do directly cause blindness.
Can I Prevent Myopia and Other Vision Problems?
Since the presence of myopia is related to the shape of the eye, completely preventing myopia is difficult, but staying on top of eye exams for your child is an important step to making your child a candidate for myopia control treatments. Children need to see an eye doctor for an eye exam at the first time at age six months. Seeing how they respond to light and other stimuli can help ensure their eyes are developing as they should.
Getting a regular eye exam is the first step to staying on top of any vision issues you might have. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for you or your child, contact us at Eyes On The Lake in Columbia, SC at 803-667-4760.